Taking Your Child's Temperature

As any parent knows, taking a squirming child's
temperature can be a challenge. But checking for a fever is one of the most important
ways you can assess illness or infection in your child. With some basic
guidelines about the types of thermometers and the various methods for taking
your child's temperature, you'll soon be doing it like a pro.

Once considered a must-have for every medicine
cabinet, the inexpensive glass mercury thermometer was the most common
type of thermometer for home use. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) now advises parents to stop using glass thermometers at home because of
concerns about possible exposure to mercury, an environmental toxin. If the
thermometer breaks, the mercury could leak out. But do not simply throw
away your mercury thermometer in the trash where it can leach into the
environment or endanger anyone handling the trash. Talk to your child's doctor
or your local health department about how and where to dispose of your mercury
thermometer.

Although the amount of mercury inside a glass
thermometer is actually very small, the AAP's official policy is that other
types of thermometers are safer. Some of the alternatives, however, are more
reliable than others:

Electronic probe thermometers can be used orally (in the mouth), rectally (in the
bottom), or in an axillary position (in the armpit). They usually have a
plastic, flexible probe with a temperature sensor at the tip and an easy-to-read
digital display on the opposite end. They tend to be quicker, easier to use, and
easier to read than glass mercury thermometers. Electronic probe thermometers
come in many sizes and shapes and range in price. Be sure to read the package
instructions to know what method or methods (axillary, rectal, or oral) the
thermometer is designed for. When used correctly, electronic thermometers tend
to give very accurate readings.

Electronic ear thermometers can quickly
and easily measure the tympanic temperature - the temperature inside the ear
canal. However, ear thermometers aren't as accurate as probe thermometers - they
tend to give falsely low readings, especially in younger kids. The AAP advises
against using electronic ear thermometers for infants younger than 3 months.

Plastic strip thermometers (small plastic strips that you press against your child's
forehead) may be able to tell you whether your child has a fever, but aren't
reliable for taking an exact measurement. For exact readings, use a digital
thermometer.

Choosing a
MethodChildren younger
than 4 or 5 years old are usually too young to cooperate with oral temperature
readings, so parents use the rectal or axillary method with an electronic probe
thermometer. Although rectal temperatures give the most accurate reading, it may
be better for parents of infants to opt for the axillary method because taking a
temperature rectally can be difficult for the parent and uncomfortable for the
baby (and even dangerous, if the parent pushes the thermometer in too far). The
axillary method is also useful in older children who are so upset or
uncomfortable from an illness that they can't cooperate with taking a rectal or
oral temperature.

You usually can take the temperature of an older
child orally if he or she will cooperate. However, kids who have frequent coughs
or are breathing through their mouths because of a stuffy nose might not be able
to keep their mouths closed long enough for an accurate oral reading. If this is
the case with your child, it would be better to use the axillary or tympanic
method.

No matter what method or type of thermometer you
choose, children should never be left unattended while you're taking their
temperature. You should also never take a child's temperature right after a
bath, because that can affect the temperature reading.

Using an Electronic Probe
ThermometerWhen using an electronic probe thermometer - which gives the
most accurate reading - be sure to read the directions beforehand, as each model
has a different beep or series of beeps to tell you that it's finished reading.
Once you turn it on and make sure that the screen is clear of any old readings,
you can put on a plastic sleeve or cover (if your model uses them) and place it
according to the instructions. Once it's done and you've taken the reading, you
should discard the plastic sleeve and clean the thermometer according to the
manufacturer's instructions before returning it to its
case.

Taking a Rectal TemperatureBefore becoming parents, most people cringe at the
thought of taking a rectal temperature. But don't worry - it's a simple
process:

Lubricate the tip of a clean electronic probe
thermometer with a lubricating jelly (such as petroleum jelly) recommended by
your child's doctor.

Place your child across your lap, supporting the
head, or lay the child down on a firm, flat surface such as a changing table.

Press the palm of one hand firmly against your
child's lower back to prevent wiggling.

Using your other hand, insert the lubricated
thermometer through the anal opening, about half an inch to 1 inch (about 13
to 25 millimeters) inside the rectum. Stop at less than half an inch (13
millimeters) if you feel resistance.

Steady the thermometer between your second and
third fingers as you cup your hand against your child's bottom. Soothe your
child and speak quietly as you hold the thermometer in place.

Wait until you hear the signal that the
thermometer is finished. Read and record the number on the screen, noting the
time of day that you took the reading.

Taking an Oral TemperatureIf your child has just finished eating or drinking, you
should wait 20 to 30 minutes before taking an oral temperature. The process is
easy in the older, cooperative child:

Make sure your child's mouth is clear of candy,
gum, or food.

Place the tip of the electronic probe
thermometer under your child's tongue and have your child close his or her
mouth and lips around it. Remind your child not to bite the thermometer or
talk with it in the mouth. Your child should relax and breathe normally
through the nose.

Wait until you hear the signal indicating that
the thermometer is finished. Read and record the number on the screen, noting
the time of day that you took the reading.

Taking an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature
This is a convenient way to take your
child's temperature, but it isn't as accurate as the oral or rectal
temperature:

Lift your child's arm and place the electronic
probe thermometer in your child's armpit. Lower the arm and fold it
comfortably across the chest to hold the thermometer in place.

Wait until you hear the appropriate number of
beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read. Read and
record the number on the screen, noting the time of day that you take the
reading.

Deciding the Next StepsIf your child has a fever, you may need to call the
doctor. Chances are that the problem is routine and your child's doctor can help
you clear it up. By successfully taking and recording your child's temperature,
you've gathered some of the information that you and the doctor need to help
your child feel better.